Joe Biden hits the golf course for first time in presidency
- Unlike his predecessor Trump, who hit the fairways no less than 300 times during his term, Biden has kept his golfing skills largely quiet
- The US president was previously reported to have an impressive six handicap, although some Republicans have claimed the rating was inflated
The Democrat’s motorcade swept into the Wilmington Country Club for the unannounced outing around lunch time. Clearly surprised members of the private, upscale club paused between swings and putting to watch, some whipping out cellphones to film the spectacle.
Reporters travelling with Biden were unable to see the president actually playing, although he appeared to be with a group riding in a mini-motorcade of half a dozen golf carts across a wide grassy fairway.
00:52
Trump went to golf club before election called for Biden
The White House said Biden’s playing partners were Ron Olivere, father-in-law of Biden’s late son Beau, and senior adviser Steve Ricchetti.
This was not just the first time Biden has devoted a day to golf since taking over from Trump in January, but likely the first time many Americans realised that he plays at all.
Biden has kept his golfing skills largely quiet, in contrast to the openly boastful Trump, who not only played as often as possible while in the White House but owned the courses he used.
In fact, Biden is reputed to hit a mean golf ball. When he was vice-president under Barack Obama, Golf Digest reported him to have an impressive six handicap, although some former Republican opponents have claimed the rating was inflated.